This year’s theme is loneliness which impacts the lives of millions of individuals in the UK each year. The Mental Health Foundation’s research found that loneliness has been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic and during this time, some of us have lamented chatting face to face with our friends and colleagues, wished for an embrace or physical company from friends and family to makes us feel comfortable or simply wanted the liberty to do pre-pandemic activities.
Although we are now the other side of the pandemic, loneliness is still something that affects the Bar given changes to working practices with the Bar becoming ever more remote and not seeing colleagues as often as before. Add into this the increasing pressures being placed on all members of the Bar and Chambers staff in dealing with the backlog of cases.
Throughout the week, we are raising awareness of the impact of loneliness and will be encouraging our members and staff to take advantage of the Assistance Programmes in place for them respectfully which provides them with 24/7 access to support when they need it. We will also be encouraging our members and staff to take advantage of other wellbeing and mental health support services we offer because to us, mental health and wellbeing is exceptionally important.
#mentalhealthawarenessweek #csbcares #wellbeing